Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is one of the most hyped sports sedan in India. The car has been crafted beautifully in an aerodynamic shape to help maintain greater stability. The luxury car comes equipped with a 4B11MIVEC Twin Scroll 2.0 liter turbocharged, inline 4-cylinder petrol engine coupled with a twin clutch SST gearbox and churns out a power of 289.9 bhp and 366 Nm@3500 rpm torque. The super all wheel control system, adaptive front lighting, electronic time and alarm control system are some of the most attractive features of this luxury vehicle. The Mitsubishi Evo X is equipped with a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with 9 speakers and a multi information display that provides important information on cruising. Talking about safety, Mitsubishi has incorporated some of the latest safety features including Sports Antilock Braking System and Active Stability Control so that you stay safe on road.

Volkswagen Jetta

The new Volkswagen Jetta is a perfect combination of performance, beauty, and comfort. The exterior is crafted beautifully in a European style while the interior is done sophistically using woven seat upholstery. The super spacious cabin provide ample of space for a pleasant riding experience. The new Jetta comes in four variants including 1.6 Trendline, 1.9 TDI Trendline, 1.9 TDI Comfortline DSG, 2.0 Comfortline and 2.0 Trendline. At the heart of the petrol version Trendline lies a 1.6L Inline-4 engine that churns out 101 bhp while the 1.9L Inline-4 diesel engines delivers 103 bhp. The 2.0 Comfortline churns out 140 bhp. Volkswagen never compromises with safety and has included the latest safety features in the new Volkswagen Jetta. The safety features include six airbags including side airbag in the Comfortline version. 

Volvo S60

Volvo has always been known for its safety features. However, this time with Volvo S60, Volvo get a bit "naughty"! the car has been crafted in a Scandanavian design with a plush interiors that welcomes you inside the car. The spacious interori has enough leg space so that you can have a comfortable riding experience. Volvo S60 has two engine options -- a petrol tarmac scorcher in the form of a turbocharged inline 6 cylinder motor that churns out 304 bhp@ 5600 rpm and a torque of 440Nm between 2100-4200 rpm, and a 5 cylinder diesel engine that offers 205bhp@ 4000 rpm and 420Nm of torque between 1500-3250 rpm. Apart from standard safety features, Volvo S60 also offers an advanced pedestrian recognition system. This state of the art safety feature is really welcoming for Indian traffic condition and works great under 40 kmph. A number of cameras are installed that allow the vehicle to recognize any obstacle and apply brake automatically if the driver does not react on time. 

Scoda Superb

The Skoda Superb is a blend of sophisticated styling and advanced engineering. Superb is available in three petrol variants and one diesel variant. The petrol version gives and choice of two engines - 1.8-litre turbocharged engine that generates 160 bhp and 3.6-litre V6 engine with an output of 260 bhp. The diesel version sports a 2.0-litre Turbocharged, engine delivering 140 bhp. The new Skoda Superb features a dual tone climatronic, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, 12-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, Ivory-Nappa leather upholstery, and audio player with LCD color display. All standard safety features are included in the new Skoda Superb that include 8--airbags including side rear airbags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, anti-slip regulation (ASR), traction control system, electronic stability system, tyre pressure monitoring, and engine immobilizer with floating code. 

Toyota Camery

Camry is a benchmark in driving experience coming from the stables of Toyota and is considered a pretty car with the basic goodies coming as standard. In India, Camry is sold as highly executive saloon car. The name Camry is inspired by a Japanese word ‘kanmuri’ which means Crown.The very luxurious saloon is sold under the badge of Toyota Kirloskar Motors in India, although it is brought in Completely Built Unit (CBU) which results in its voluminous price tag. There are plans to assemble it in India which may start by mid-2012 and then price can be brought down considerably. Toyota Camry looks more like a chauffeur driven car. Camry can be termed as Toyota’s horse in the race where Honda Accord, Skoda Superb and VW Jetta, are already in tussle. Since Camry is a high-segment car, it does not have buyers ready to make it theirs; however, it certainly is a dream car for many. Moreover, at such a high price one would like to have a luxury brand like entry level Merc or a Beemer.

Camry, from its inception in India, comes with a neat petrol engine that delivers oodles of power and is surprisingly spirited to drive. A powerful 2.4-litre engine producing 141 bhp and 20.9 kg-m at 5600 rpm with a variable valve timing-intelligent system (VVT-I) is on board. This is a reasonably big power plant considering the power to weight ratio. This engine also has an intelligent electronic control system (ETCS-I) that optimizes the engine output to ensure acceleration control with smooth gearshift changes by adjusting the throttle valve relative to accelerators opening. A quiet and a vibration free engine has been researched by the engineers of Toyota Motors extensively but with a 5-speed manual transmission option only for the Indians.

Safety and comfort today is the car manufacturers' biggest forte and the Camry is no way behind the best. It has front and rear crushing zones side impact bars that are mandatory these days and there is no question of not having them. Air bags for driver, passenger and sides come in as standard along with seat 

belts. A unique brake assist system with air vented disc rotors for front and standard disc rotors for rear that helps the driver who panic sometimes in not applying the brakes with enough pressure. This system increases braking force even when the pedal is not pushed enough or reduces the amount of pressure when the driver intentionally eases up on the brake pedal. `Key Less Entry' along with an immobilizer are also some high points of safety in Camry.

The interiors are commodious and the ride quality is also commendable on this sedan. The passenger comfort zone consists of an automatic climate control, two options of the skin on the seats fabric or leather, an audio system with a 10 CD changer. The saloon is equipped with powered front driver and passenger seats for easy and exact levels of comfort adjustments, Body coloured retractable rear view mirrors and for preventing those niggardly irritating scratches in parking lots and in heavy traffic conditions a body coloured side protective mouldings.

Well-defined exteriors of Toyota Camry shed luxury at each centimeter of road as it moves with a unique stance. The large sedan amalgamates sporty and luxurious looks perfectly. And talking of that smart outlook a seven spoke aluminum alloy 15-inch rim to put the package together, one can never stop blabbering over Toyota Camry. One of the unique features that have been offered is the.

Nissan-Teana

The new face lifted Nissan Teana is the other name for comfort and luxury. The new Teana comes in two petrol variants, which are powered by a robust 2.5L V6 engine that churns out a massive 179.5 bhp@6000 rpm and a torque of 228 Nm@4400 rpm giving you the lightning streak pick-up on highways and clearing the roads for you in cities. Apart from elegant body and styling, Nissan Teana stands out from other segment rivals when it comes to safety features. The car is designed to absorb impact. It features crushable zones and a safety restraint zone along with Restraint System airbags to protect you at times of accidents. Other features include dual zone automatic climate control, drive computer, twin exhaust, 8-way electrically powered driver's seat, four-way electrically powered front passenger's seat, powered rear sun shade, active head rests, and 6 CD changer with 6 audio speakers. 

The base price for Nissan Teana 2.5 XL is Rs. 21,46,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Audi A6

The new Audi A6 sedan is spacious than its predecessors and is 15 per cent fuel economic too. The elegantly designed carves, the advanced safety features, and a finely tuned suspension system, make the new Audi A6 a wise choice in the C segment. Audi A6 is available in four different engine options including 2.8 FSI variant petrol engine that produces 204 PS @ 5500 rpm and a torque of 280 Nm @ 3000 rpm. The next is the 2.7 TDI diesel engine that is capable to churn out 180 PS @ 3300 rpm of power and a torque of 380 Nm @ 1400 rpm, the 3.0 TDI Quattro model is powered by a diesel engine which can churn out a power of 233 PS @ 4000 rpm, with a peak torque of 450 Nm @ 3250 rpm. The fourth is thee 3.2 FSI Quattro that produces 256 PS power at 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 330 Nm at 3250 rpm. The new Audi A 6 offers latest safety features including Electronic Stability Program, anti-theft alarm, Anti-lock Braking system, and Servotronic for precise control at high speeds and effortless parking.

The price for new Audi A 6 starts at Rs. 38,62,000 (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

HYUNDAI EQUUS

A powerful grille, modern turn signal LED lights and
HID headlights add definition to a muscular profile
that is enhanced by 19-inch staggered alloy wheels.
Hyundai has engineered a fresh new look in the luxury
performance market.
The test-drive starts at your house. The service center comes to you. And the owner’s manual is available as an Apple iPad™ app. Hyundai’s ‘At Your Service,’ is an entirely new kind of luxury service, for an entirely new kind of luxury car
Premium wood trim. Snug leather seats with driver’s circulation massage, heating, cooling and humidity control. An 8-inch LCD for the premium navigation and Driver Information System. And a 608-watt Lexicon® 7.1 Discrete Surround Sound Audio System with more standard speakers than the BMW 7 Series or the Lexus LS 460.
An award-winning 429-hp, 5.0L GDI V8 engine is paired with a premium 8-speed automatic transmission. And of course, rear-wheel drive. Engineered to leave its mark on the luxury performance sedan market.
Nine airbags. A Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system that includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), plus some of the best-known acronyms in the automotive safety business. Safety isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

Ford Mustang

The 2012 Mustang engines deliver abundant power and off-the-line low-end torque – while providing impressive fuel efficiency* – thanks to twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) in all engines, cast-aluminum blocks on V6 engines, aluminum blocks on V8 engines and cold air induction. Take your pick of muscular power plants. The Hi-Po 302 Boss® 302 delivers 444 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. There's the first-ever 305 horsepower, 31 mpg* V6 and the 5.0L V8 that pumps out a smoking 412 horsepower **and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. And all engines are mated to six-speed transmissions. There’s no such thing as compromise for these ponies.

Maruti Kizashi

 Maruti Kizashi is a sports sedan which is powered by a 2.4 litre DOHC J–Series engine. The D-segment car's powertrain is capable of producing peak power of 178 PS at 6,500rpm. The maximum torque from the engine is 230Nm at 4,000rpm in both type of transmission. Maruti Kizashi is available in Japan and the US standard with Front Wheel Drive and optional All Wheel Drive. The optional i-AWD system includes a driver-activated Front Wheel Drive mode in view to save petrol. It is equipped with 17 inch alloy wheel. The steering wheel has three spokes and electronically powered. The suspension system used is Macpherson strut and coil springs front and rear one would be multi-link type. Whereas all the wheels have disc brakes. Front brake is vented disc and rear solid disc.

The braking system is comprised of Electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), Electric Stability Program (ESP) along with the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS).

Maruti Kizashi is to compete with Honda Accord and Toyota Carmy in India. The recently launched Maruti Kizashi is reported a little shorter than Honda Accord and Toyota Carmy but wider than latter.

The four door mid size sedan, Maruti Kizashi, is blessed with the same sporty and athletic looks as available in Japan. The seating capacity is 5 only including the driver. The front face of Maruti Kizashi is broad and bold with bigger upper grille, headlight and foglights. The upper and lower grille is having 'U' shape cluster which is also something unique to Suzuki.

Maruti Kizashi is a Japanese word that stands for 'a sign of great things to come'. And the new title is true with the design and features what the Maruti Kizashi has. The rear view of the car becomes more sporty with twin exhaust system. The rear side is also bigger and attractive as well. Fit and finish also represents the quality work done at front and rear side of the Maruti Kizashi. The D segment sedan comprised of luxurious interior features and design. The front and rear windshiels are wider which promise sufficient vision for both sides. Apart from this, the car is expected to have 8 airbags (front, rear and curtain), pushbutton keyless start, power steering, windows and mirrors, Dual-zone climate control, EPS Stability control and ABS, projector beam headlamps etc.

Audi A7

Emotion-packed design, sporty character and innovative technology: Audi is targeting a new market segment with the A7 Sportback. The large five door model with the dynamically accentuated rear end brings together the best of three worlds: the sporty elegance of a coupe, the comfort of a sedan and the practicality of a station wagon.

The A7 Sportback is pure high-tech. Its body is very lightweight thanks to numerous aluminum components. The elegant interior shows a craftsman’s level of workmanship. The four V6 engines combine refined power with groundbreaking efficiency. The 3.0 TDI with 150 kW (204 hp) and multitronic has CO2 emissions of just 139 grams per kilometer. The sporty chassis comes with new solutions, such as electromechanical power steering. When it comes to assistance and infotainment systems, the luxury-class coupe exhibits all of the innovative power expected of Audi.

The five-door coupe from Audi combines supreme, long-distance comfort with a sporty character. The interior noise level is very low even at fast highway speeds, with the V6 engines providing refined acoustic feedback as their power unfolds. The excellent vibrational comfort likewise contributes to the atmosphere of cultured tranquility on board. This is the result of painstakingly tuning all components, systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings and the extremely stiff body. The body is comprised primarily of aluminum and high-tech steels, making it extremely lightweight and safe. The large rear hatch opens wide to reveal a large, extremely usable luggage compartment that is very easy to load. Its 535-liter capacity swells to a volume of 1,390 liters with the rear seat backrests folded down

The Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 - the high performance luxury SUV has been one of the main contributors to our success in the Indian market. Reflecting the core essence of our brand DNA, ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’, the Audi Q7 now demonstrates even greater efficiency, with a new engine, a new transmission and a whole series of new performance characteristics. We are confident that it will further help us consolidate our leadership position in the luxury SUV space“, said Mr. Michael Perschke, Head – Audi India.

The Audi Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation and business. It has been the market leader in its segment for the past three consecutive years.

The 3.0 TFSI quattro engine delivers 245 kW (333 hp) and achieves maximum torque of 440 Nm between 2,900 and 5,300 rpm. This V6 with an engine displacement of 2,995 cc accelerates the Audi Q7 from a standing start to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 245 km/h, resulting in a dynamic and enthralling driving experience.

Variants of Audi Q7

Audi Q7 is available in three variants:

- Audi Q7 3.0 TFSi

- Audi Q7 3.0 TDi
- Audi Q7 4.2 TDi

Performance Figures of Audi Q7 (0-100 kmph and top speed)

- Audi Q7 3.0 TFSi – 7.9 seconds – 218 kmph
- Audi Q7 3.0 TDi – 6.4 seconds – 242 kmph
- Audi Q7 4.2 TDi – 6.9 seconds – 245 kmph

Jaguar CX-75

Petrolheads all around the world have ogled at many futuristic concepts in various auto shows in the past which were meant to be signs of where a car company is headed.
Unfortunately, hardly any have made it to production and even if some have, its never been the complete car but certain features of the concept that make their way into other newer models of the company’s cars. So, they have now grown to look at concepts as a mere fantasy without the hope of them turning into reality ever!

Hence, it came as a big surprise when Jaguar announced that it will indeed take its very futuristic concept, the CX-75 which the company has showcased at various auto shows, to production.

Some of the stunning highlights of the futuristic CX-75:

• All-wheel-drive performance and less than 99g/km CO2 emissions.
• 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds.
• 0-100 mph in less than 6 seconds.
• top speed in excess of 200 mph.
• Downsized and highly boosted petrol engine with two powerful electric motors.
• An all electric running range in excess of 50 kms.
• True-to-concept, lightweight, all-carbon-fibre chassis.
• Ground breaking co-operation with William F1.

The C X-75 showcases the cutting-edge design, new and intelligent environment technologies and motor sport inspired performance.

Audi R8

Audi has rendered its already savage super car, the Audi R8 even more breathtaking!

Audi has introduced the R8 5.2 FSI which was powered by a V8 engine with a new high performance V10 engine in India.

The Audi R8 V10 boasts of some staggering numbers. A 0-100 kmph sprint takes just 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 316 kmph!

Accompanying this high performance power-train is the lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) design that contributed towards an extremely favourable power to weight ratio. The all aluminum frame weighs just 210 kgs without any compromise to safety, drive, handling or safety standards.
This hand built super car will be available with a 6 speed manual transmission or R tronic (trip-tronic) gear box with steering mounted flappy paddle gearshifts. The car sports a permanent all wheel drive combined with “Launch Control”, an advanced traction control system which integrates with both the transmission options.

The exterior of the car has been tweaked with newly designed side blades to provide increased air intake for better performance. This car gets a distinctive design highlight with the all-LED headlamp cluster which is part of the standard equipment. The R8 is customizable to the finest detail with precisely stitched luxurious leather interiors.

Engine of Audi R8

- 4163cc, V8 FSi petrol
- 5204cc, V10 FSi petrol
- 420 bhp – 429 nm
- 525 bhp – 530 nm

Audi R8 has two engine options: V8 FSi petrol and V10 FSi petrol. The 4163cc, V8 FSi petrol enginegenerates maximum power of 420 bhp with maximum torque of 429 nm. 5204cc, V10 FSi petrol generates maximum power of 525 bhp with maximum torque of 530 nm.

Variants of Audi R8

Audi R8 is available in five variants:

- Audi R8 V8 FSi
- Audi R8 V8 FSi R-Tronic

- Audi R8 V10 FSi
- Audi R8 V10 FSi R-Tronic

- Audi R8 V10 FSi Spyder

This Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 will be priced at a whooping INR 1,32, 49,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra).

New Hundai Santa FE

The Santa Fe boasts of a 5 Star Safety Rating by the NCAP(New Car Assessment Program). It is equipped with ESP (Electronic stability program) which combines the functions of EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), ABS (Anti-lock braking) and TCS (Traction Control System). The Santa Fe is also equipped with 6 standard airbags with side and curtain airbags for all three rows of seats. Active Head Restraint on the front reduces the distance between the occupant’s head and the head restraint in case of a rear impact. The Roll-over Sensor assess the vehicle tilt angle and can predict a roll-over. The Santa Fe is driven by silica tyres which provide improved grip under wet road conditions and lesser rolling resistance for better  fuel economy.

The impressive feature list of the Santa Fe:

• The Santa Fe comes with complete leather upholstery,  leather wrapped gear knob and steering.
• Blue instrument lighting which is now getting popular and is also seen on the new i10.
• 7 passenger seating with the 3rd row seating with 50:50 split and the 2nd row providing a 60:40 split.
• Dual zone climate control for the front row and the rest of the compartment.
• B pillar mounted ac vents for the third row passengers
• Driver side power windows with anti-pinch function.
• Steering wheel mounted audio controls
• 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support
• Heated outside rear view mirrors
• Electrically retractable outside rear view mirrors
• Cruise Control
• 6 CD changer audio system with USB, Ipod and aux-in connectivity.
• In car mini-refrigerator
• 18 inch alloy wheels
• Twin exhausts
• Rear spoiler with high mounted stop lamp

The Santa Fe has been launched at an introductory price of Rs. 20,95,000 (2WD) and Rs. 22,95,000 (4WD) ex-showroom, New Delhi.

Skoda Yeti

The Yeti is powered by a 2 liter TDI CR diesel engine which generates a maximum power of 140 bhp @ 4200 rpm and maximum torque of 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. The ARAI certified figures for fuel economy with permanent four wheel drive as standard are 17.67 kmpl combined with lower engine emissions, making a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2, NOX and HC with lower CO2 emission figures of 159 g/km.

Skoda claims that the with the technological innovations that are part of the Yeti, the current perspective of an SUV being a fuel guzzler and non-environment-friendly will be altered.

Some of the highlights in the Skoda Yeti feature list are as follows:

• Intelligent 4x4: The advanced Haldex clutch has been integrated to work actively and automatically with ABS, EBD, ASR and ESP to direct power the wheels that need it the most based on the attributes and changes in the terrain.
• Hill descent control.
• Varifolex Space Management to change the space utilization in the Yeti depending on need with a flexible boot volume ranging from 510 lts to 1760 lts.
• Corner light for better visibility which cornering an turning in low light conditions.
• Overall dimensions: length: 4223 mm, width: 1793mm, height: 1691mm, ground clearance: 180mm

The Yeti will be offered in four colours: Mato Brown, Candy White, Magic Brilliant Silver and Aqua Blue.
Skoda believes that the Yeti has what it takes to generate a cult following amongst automobile enthusiasts.

These are just a few teaser like details of this offering. Await our detailed road test to get all the information that you need on the Skoda Yeti!

BMW X1

Every once in a while, a car comes by that shatters perception. The baby of the BMW’s X range, the X1, an Urban Crossover does just that. It is not only the cheapest BMW amongst the company’s range in India, but also one of its variants, the petrol fuelled sDrive18i is actually cheaper than the other urban crossover in the Indian market, the Honda CR-V. Wow! A BMW that is actually cheaper than a Honda! Having said that, we were keen to drive the dearer diesel variant as the engine looked good on paper and being a diesel, would be the preferred option for a crossover.

We were pleased when we were handed over the most powerful and most loaded X1 of the range, the sdrive 20d Exclusive. Also, the diesel, we feel will be the engine majority of the buyers might opt for. At the cost of sounding cliched, we hope we are able to convey the amount of fun that we had with this beamer throughout the review. Read on to find out how the drive unfolded.